Garrett Nussmeier Benched During LSU vs Alabama
In the third quarter of Saturday night's game at Bryant-Denny Stadium, LSU made a quarterback switch, replacing senior starter Garrett Nussmeier with sophomore Michael Van Buren. LSU trailed Alabama 17-6 with 6:26 remaining in the third quarter when Van Buren entered the game.
Quarterback Performance and Game Situation
Before being benched, Nussmeier completed 18 of 21 passes for 121 yards without any touchdowns or interceptions. He had taken every offensive snap against Alabama until that point. On LSU’s opening drive of the second half, Nussmeier led the team into the red zone, but the Tigers faced a delay of game penalty and failed to convert on third down, with Nussmeier taking the sack — Alabama’s first of the game.
Coaching Comments
LSU interim coach Frank Wilson indicated Van Buren might be used in specific situations against Alabama, though Nussmeier had been starting consistently.
Additional Information
- The quarterback change marks Van Buren’s first significant live action this season in a close game scenario.
- It remains unclear whether Nussmeier will return to the game.
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Author’s summary: LSU made a strategic quarterback change late in their Alabama game, inserting Michael Van Buren to replace Garrett Nussmeier as the team faced a deficit in a critical moment.